Why was the C-17 built?

Designed as a replacement for the C-141 Starlifter, the C-17 made its maiden flight on Sept. 15, 1991, and the first production model was delivered to Charleston Air Force Base, now known as Joint Base Charleston, S.C., on June 14, 1993.

Why did C-17 production stopped?

The Pentagon had been trying to end the program for years, but 3 factors led Congress to keep adding new C-17s to the budget, year after year: (1) deep doubts about the premises, pre-9/11 vintage, and quality of the Pentagon’s mobility studies; (2) uncertainty concerning the C-5 Galaxy super-heavy transport’s upgrade …

Is C-17 better than c5?

The giant C-5 Galaxy is the only other jet transport in the joint airlift fleet, and each one can carry about 50 more tons per flight than a C-17. What that means in practical terms is that it can transport twice as many armored vehicles or missile batteries or supply pallets per sortie.

When was the C-17 Globemaster built?

July 14, 1993
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III/Dates introduced

Who built the C-17 Globemaster?

McDonnell Douglas
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III/Manufacturers

What replaced the c5 Galaxy?

The C-5M Super Galaxy strategic transport aircraft is a modernised version of the legacy C-5. Credit: Lockheed Martin. The C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft has a length of 75.53m, height of 19.84m and wingspan of 67.91m. Credit: Lockheed Martin.

What’s bigger than a C130?

The A400M from Airbus Military is one of the most advanced turboprop military transport aircraft in the world. It is currently the most versatile airlifter and intended to replace C-130 Hercules and C-160 Transall aircraft. The A400M can house a payload of 37t and take-off with a maximum weight of 141t.

How big is ac17?

174 feet long
The C-17 measures 174 feet long (53 meters) with a wingspan of 169 feet, 10 inches (51.75 meters). The aircraft is powered by four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, which are based on the commercial Pratt and Whitney PW2040 used on the Boeing 757.

When did the C-17 Globemaster III come out?

First delivered in 1991, the C-17 Globemaster III is the senior (by a long shot) of these two cargo aircraft – by a lot. The U.S. Air Force declared the C-17 operationally ready in 1995, and ordered a total inventory of 223 C-17s from its producer, Boeing.

What is the difference between the C-17 and C-130 Hercules?

The U.S. Air Force declared the C-17 operationally ready in 1995, and ordered a total inventory of 223 C-17s from its producer, Boeing. The C-130 Hercules, on the other hand, was first delivered in 1956, almost 40 years before the C-17 was a reality. Many variations of the C-130 exist, as well as a few that no longer exist.

Where are the C-17 and C-130 still in production?

The C-130 is still in production today, making it the longest running military aircraft production line in history. Active duty locations for the C-17 are Travis AFB, California; Dover AFB, Delaware; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina; and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

When was the first C-17 aircraft built?

On Aug. 28, 1981, McDonnell Douglas won the contract with its proposal to build the C-17. The design met or exceeded all Air Force design specifications, and the huge transport was able to use runways at 19,000 airfields. The C-17 was built in Long Beach, California, and the first C-17 squadron was operational in January 1995.